Mapping the Darkness: The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked the Mysteries of Sleep

by Kenneth Miller

"A propulsive, utterly engrossing history... None of it is simple and all of it is captivating." — The New York Times

"Mapping the Darkness offers two narratives at a sweeping journey of discovery about dreams, sleep and the terra incognita of unconsciousness; and a wake-up call about the dangers of chronic exhaustion. It’s time, Mr. Miller tells us, to take our sleep back." — The  W all Street Journal

From award-winning journalist Kenneth Miller comes the definitive story of the scientists who set out to answer two “Why do we sleep?” and "How can we sleep better?”

A century ago, sleep was considered a state of nothingness—even a primitive habit that we could learn to overcome. Then, an immigrant scientist and his assistant spent a month in the depths of a Kentucky cave, making nationwide headlines and thrusting sleep science to the forefront of our consciousness.

In the 1920s, Nathaniel Kleitman founded the world’s first dedicated sleep lab at the University of Chicago, where he subjected research participants (including himself) to a dizzying array of tests and tortures. But the tipping point came in 1938, when his cave experiment awakened the general public to the unknown—and vital—world of sleep. Kleitman went on to mentor the talented but troubled Eugene Aserinsky, whose discovery of REM sleep revealed the astonishing activity of the dreaming brain, and William Dement, a jazz-bass playing revolutionary who became known as the father of sleep medicine. Dement, in turn, mentored the brilliant maverick Mary Carskadon, who uncovered an epidemic of sleep deprivation among teenagers, and launched a global movement to fight it.

Award-winning journalist Kenneth Miller weaves together science and history to tell the story of four outsider scientists who took sleep science from fringe discipline to mainstream obsession through spectacular experiments, technological innovation, and single-minded commitment. Readers will walk away with a comprehensive understanding of sleep and why it affects so much of our lives.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History, Health, Biography, Psychology, Neuroscience

432 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

Reviews

[Nikki Soulsby · Rating 3 out of 5]

More history than science.

Super props to Kenneth Miller for the insane amount of research that went into this book. It’s well written and easy to follow.

I’m giving three stars because I wanted the science. It may be in there but I’m not interested in spending a hundred more pages trying to find it.

[Tara Cignarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format Read: Paperback gifted by the publisher (releases 10/3/23)
Review: The first chapter of this book is by far the best. I enjoyed this very large slow read, but there was way too much detailed history for me.
Recommended For: Anyone who has a serious interest in the history of sleep study.

[David Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally engrossed by this book! It's not just about the groundbreaking discoveries in sleep science, but also about the scientists behind them. Their stories are just as captivating as their research. It's definitely a must-read – I couldn't put it down!

[Kirstie Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone with idiopathic hypersomnia, this book addresses something that is close to my heart.

I've been on a mission to read more about sleep science, its history and what knowledge is out there. This was a very interesting read for ticking all of those boxes.

Unlike your normal health science book, this isn't so much a how-to or a to-do list of things to learn or follow to improve your quality of life, but rather it's an extremely informative and comprehensive history of sleep science, filled with many take-away nuggets of information that will help you piece together the bigger puzzle of what is going on.

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially as it can often feel like there isn't much out there on this topic. I thought the author did a brilliant job writing this and putting it together in an incredibly natural way that married history, memoir and facts seamlessly. The book progressively moves through a timeline that begins with the 'birth' of sleep science, up until the modern era, focussing on key sleep scientists throughout history and how they significantly furthered/contributed to the field.

In short, I highly recommend this to all people interested in sleep. It really brings into focus how sleep deprived on the whole people are because of the rhythms of modern society, and then further highlights how much worse this impacts people with sleep disorders – ranging from sleep apnoea to narcolepsy and everything in between.

For me, this has made me rethink just how seriously I should and can take sleep, and how to prioritise it in my life. It's a comfort sort of book, to read about people so passionate about helping those struggling with a sleep disorder – it helps you to feel less alone! It's certainly a great complement to any other therapies you might be following to bolster your general knowledge of terminology, methods and motivations.

[Dave Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the title of the book is “Mapping The Darkness,” its subtitle is more descriptive of the book’s contents. Kenneth Miller’s book follows, “The Visionary Scientist Who Unlocked The Mysteries of Sleep.” While we learn much about sleep studies and research evolution, we learn almost too much about the researchers. For example, in the chapter entitled “Chasing Dreams,” Miller begins by describing the personal life of one of the researchers. It went so far as to describe his home life with quotes like, “He wasn't much of a father. Practically all of the parenting was done by the mother.” While these stories are, in fact, interesting. They're not specifically related to research on the brain.

Nathaniel Kleitman, Eugene Aserinsky, William Dement, and Mary Carskadon are among the key figures whose work and contributions are highlighted in the book. Kleitman's escape from war-torn regions and establishment of the first dedicated sleep lab set the stage for groundbreaking research in the field. Aserinsky's discovery of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep revolutionized our understanding of sleep cycles, while Dement's exploration of the dreaming mind further advanced the field. Carskadon's advocacy for adjusting school start times to better accommodate teenagers' sleep needs exemplifies the societal impact of sleep research.

The book navigates through the complexities of sleep disorders, the neuroscience behind sleep cycles, and the societal challenges that hinder healthy sleep patterns.

If you're looking for a book that is purely about the way we sleep and what happens when we sleep or think you might be disappointed because while this excellent book does cover those elements, it is more about a journey of how researchers learned what we know about what happens when we sleep.

5 Key Takeaways

Kleitman's Pioneering Sleep Lab: Nathaniel Kleitman's establishment of the first dedicated sleep lab in the 1920s marked a watershed moment in sleep research. Fleeing war-torn regions, Kleitman brought his passion for biomedical inquiry to the United States, where he founded the lab to investigate the mysteries of sleep. Through innovative experiments and meticulous observation, Kleitman laid the groundwork for modern sleep science, pioneering techniques to monitor brain activity during sleep and uncovering fundamental insights into the nature of slumber.

Aserinsky's Surprising Discovery: Eugene Aserinsky's accidental discovery of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep transformed our understanding of sleep cycles. While initially studying eyelid movement in sleeping subjects, Aserinsky stumbled upon REM sleep, characterized by vivid dreaming and heightened brain activity. His groundbreaking findings challenged conventional wisdom and paved the way for a deeper exploration of the relationship between dreaming brain function and sleep quality.

Dement's Quest for Understanding Consciousness: William Dement's journey from aspiring psychiatrist to pioneering sleep researcher exemplifies the interconnectedness of wakefulness and sleep. Inspired by Kleitman's lectures, Dement recognized the intrinsic link between understanding consciousness and studying sleep. His seminal work on the dreaming mind and the implications of REM sleep furthered our understanding of the neurobiology of sleep and its role in cognitive function and emotional well-being.

Carskadon's Advocacy for Sleep Policy: Mary Carskadon's advocacy for adjusting school start times to better align with teenagers' sleep needs reflects the societal impact of sleep research. As a protégé of Kleitman, Carskadon identified the unique sleep requirements of adolescents and pioneered tools to quantify sleepiness and sleep debt. Her research highlighted the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on adolescent health and academic performance and catalyzed policy changes aimed at promoting healthier sleep habits among youth.

Exploration of Sleep Disorders: "Mapping the Darkness" delves into the complexities of sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and insomnia. Miller shares the impact of these disorders on individuals' health and quality of life. From the physiological mechanisms underlying sleep apnea to the neurological basis of narcolepsy, the book sheds light on sleep medicine's challenges and the ongoing quest for effective treatments.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging history which follows the careers of the first professional sleep science lab, from founder Nathaniel Kleitman's flight to NYC from anti-semitic exclusion in Europe, Miller details the development of a career, a lab, the breakthrough of discovering REM sleep, the formation of a professional discipline and cohort and then onto the impact of discovering the deliterious effects of sleep deprivation, shift work and early school for teenagers.
Miller draws four personalities and histories out here in particular. Kleitman's journey, his single-mindedness in pursuit of a career, and how this then applies to establishing a whole new approach to studying what happens when we sleep, dominates the early part of the book. We get a brief cameo by his student Eugene Aserinsky, who dips in to discover REM sleep, but leaves after he and Kleitman struggle to work collegially. Kleitman's heir, in this narrative, becomes rather William Dement, who takes the research into what sleep is and pioneers sleep medicine. Dement is the heart of the book, an inconclastic leftwing figure, who packs his waking time with work, a support role for Black students, Vietnam War protesting and his family (who all move into Stanford's first Black-concentration dorm in its first year, for example).
Miller's clear affection for Dement may colour at times his approach to Dement's involvement in sleeping pill trials and promotion (the Halcion saga plays out mostly in footnotes, which I'm not sure is justifiable)). Dement's star pupil, and family friend, Mary Carskadon, who pushes into studying childhood development and sleep, and ends up leading a charge to move school hours for teenagers "back" to 8:30 (these Americans, who start school for teens at 7:30am, are mad). Carskadon never really siezes the focus from Dement, who remains a strong force even past retirement.
This is a science history, and is probably more focused on the history than on the science. Those seeking a better understanding of sleep might leave disappointed, unless they are very new to the topic. But it is startling to realise how recent any understanding of sleep is, and the history of this topic provides insight into the development of science as a whole.

[Elaine Ruth Boe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm fascinated with sleep science, so this was a nice companion history to the contemporary pop science books I've read on the subject. It was wild to consider how recent this whole modern field is (about a century old, but even then it didn't take off until the past half-century). I especially found it interesting that in the 19th c, sleep study was the purview of psychologists. The focus was on dreams and what sleep could tell us about someone's psyche. Only recently did it shift to a more "hard" science. I also learned that this field has the founding father it does because of antisemitism. When Kleitman started his career, he couldn't access the well-established branches of science because he was Jewish. So he chose a nascent topic and built it up himself.

Society has recently gone from thinking we could eliminate the need to sleep by shaving off a couple minutes per day, to realizing how vital sleep is to our wellbeing. One turning point was realizing that the Challenger crash was in part due to severe sleep deprivation from key decision makers.

[Hazel Rimo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes you on an incredible journey through the world of sleep science, starting from its humble beginnings all the way to the vast field of sleep medicine we know today. It's not just well-researched and filled with scientific insights, but it's also a pleasure to read. The author doesn't shy away from sharing the real stories behind the scientists and their discoveries, imperfections included.

[Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I originally thought would be a boring slog actually became a really interesting read for me. I went in knowing next to nothing about it and was still easily able to follow everything that was being mentioned. Very Interesting.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Hachette Books for an advance copy of this history on something must humans can agree we don't get enough of, or get a good night of, sleep and the science and pathfinders who have taught us much about something that should be so natural.

Humans can have a lot of differences, but one thing we all have to agree on is that eventually, we all have to sleep sometime. So little for so long was known about sleep that many a social innovator, seeing the rise of industry, cars and planes thought that humans didn't need to sleep anymore, that sleep was something for early man, not a man of the industrial age. I'm sure there are people raising billions right now to hack sleep and disrupt the need for REM. For something so important it is amazing that it took almost to the middle of the last century to understand sleep, a humans need for it, and many of the problems associated with it. Many weird ideas, were just accepted as no one ever really asked why, until finally some people did. And change our lives in many ways. Mapping the Darkness: The Visionary Scientists Who Unlocked the Mysteries of Sleep by Kenneth Miller is a look at those early scientists who in a variety of ways opened our eyes to why humans need to sleep, and even how to sleep better and get more from it.

For most of man's time on Earth, sleep and rest were accepted without really knowing why. Dreams were considered gifts, omens, demons, all sorts of things, something we all did, but why people had no idea. With the advent of the industrial age there were even thoughts of not needing sleep. Sleep was necessary when man lived in fear of his environment. Man now being the master really had no need for it. Plans were drawn for people to sleep 5 minutes less a night, and soon there would be no reason to even put head to pillow. Until in 1938 one of the few sleep researcher's tried something new. Live in a cave for a month, without knowing the day or the night to try and change the body to a 28 hour schedule. To see if the body could adjust, and what would the consequences be. The media made this a story, and soon sleep was on people's minds, allowing for more funding and more interest. Soon the idea of REM sleep became clearer, sleep labs were being created for humans, as they had been for animals earlier. Even better sleep apnea was being diagnosed, to the help of millions of people.

There is a lot in this very complete history of sleep and the studies involved, and the best thing is the writing won't make on tired at all. This is a fascinating book, well-written and well-researched which never lags. Miller is very good about explaining everything well, and making technical terms make sense, and again be interesting. I would have had no idea what certain brain readings meant, but in Miller's hands I found myself going, oh I see I get it. There is lot covered in this book, the history of sleep, university life in the 20's, crazy experiments, such as living in a cave for a month, and more. Plus there are sleep suggestions, and nice explanations for sleep problems, apnea, and others that I finally understood how this could be a problem, and might explain some of my sleep problems.

A book that has something interesting on every page, not just about sleep. One of the more intriguing medical histories I have read in awhile. Recommended for fans of not only medical science, but history in general, a book that could be both informative and helpful to many people.

[Edward · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sleep was initially viewed as a process of the brain that just stopped and allowed the organ to rest. What Miller’s book does is to trace the research, mostly of the 20th century, showing that the brain is active and not at all dormant during sleep. It’s a story of the men who pioneered and continued research into sleep which has gone from virtually nothing to a key concept in our notions of well-being and health. Evidence of this is that over 80 different sleep disorders are now recognized.

For the most part, MAPPING THE DARKNESS is the story of brilliant and curious individuals who became interested the puzzles of sleep. One of the first was Nathaniel Kleitman, a Jewish immigrant in 1915 who earned a PhD in his early 20’s. At that time there was discrimination against Jews in academia and they often gravitated to neglected areas shunned by the mainstream. Almost by accident, he became interested in the little-known area of sleep deprivation and its effects on humans.

His research on sleep included studies from every angle - behavioral, biochemical, cardiopulmonary, neurological. His research would eventually furnish a framework for other younger scientists. But on rhe l920’s he was the only scientist who made the study of sleep his primary interest, and that would be true for another several decades.

All of his work began to attract interest in how sleep affected daytime activities, especially in the area of work. Abnormal sleep patterns obviously affected workers, production, with widespread realization that knowing more about sleep was crucial to business and commercial interests. In his influential book, SLEEP AND WAKEFULNESS, he wanted to prove that sleep and wakefulness complement each other, and to disprove that sleep is simply a cessation of wakefulness.

The second towering figure in sleep research was William Dement who in the 60’s began to study the role of the brain’s hypothalamus in sleep, particularly in how it is involved in circadian rhythms which ebb and peak at different times of the day. Human are programmed to follow a rhythmical sleep-wake pattern that if disrupted causes sleep disorders.

His work evolved into sleep medicine, how to treat sleep disorders and that in turn studied the societal forces that made daytime sleepiness ubiquitous. There were huge implications for schools, industry, the military, any activity where alertness is crucial; without it, accidents and disasters occur,not to mention mental health.

Other scientists are mentioned, too, but these were two of the giants of sleep research. I found the descriptions of their actual research quite interesting, and in addition Miller often goes into considerable, detail about their personal lives which is intended to give additional context.

[Tom Carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's surprising how something as natural as sleep was so misunderstood for ages. Miller tells us about the curious scientists who began asking the right questions about why we sleep, shedding light on its necessity and solving sleep-related puzzles that have boggled minds for centuries.

The book reveals how, for most of human history, sleep was this mysterious thing we all did but didn't quite understand. Dreams were seen as messages from beyond, but nobody knew why we dreamt. With the industrial revolution, people even started thinking we might outgrow the need for sleep altogether. But then, in 1938, a sleep researcher decided to live in a cave for a month, cut off from any sense of time, to see if he could switch to a 28-hour day. This experiment grabbed media attention and suddenly, everyone was talking about sleep. This led to more funding for sleep research, the discovery of REM sleep, and the opening of sleep labs for humans.

Miller's writing is engaging and easy to follow. He has a knack for explaining complex stuff in a way that makes you go, ""Ah, that makes sense!"" The book isn't just about the science of sleep; it's also packed with historical tidbits, wild experiments (like the cave one), and practical advice for those struggling with sleep issues like apnea.

I found something interesting on every page, and it's not just for science buffs. It's a mix of medical history, intriguing experiments, and helpful insights into sleep problems. If you're curious about why we sleep or just love a good historical tale with a twist, this book is worth checking out. It's one of those reads that keeps you hooked without making you feel like you're sitting in a lecture. Highly recommended for anyone looking to understand a bit more about that thing we all do every night but know so little about.

[Blair · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Mapping the darkness” is a history of the scientists and the science that unlocked the mysteries of sleep, during the 20th Century.

Sleep is an enigma. It consumes about one third of our day, and leaves us vulnerable to attack. The time is also seemingly unproductive for work or play. Yet we cannot exist without sleep. And we don’t perform well with a lack of sleep. Clearly there is an important purpose for sleep.

This book tracks how four main scientists – Nathaniel Kleitman, Eugene Aserinsky, William Dement, and Mary Carskadon – started to investigate the reasons for sleep. In the work, they collectively took sleep studies from an unknown discipline 100 years ago, to what is now seen to be a key driver to life and longevity.

I liked the author’s light touch of biography and science, telling a more or less chronological story of sleep research in the 20th Century. At the end of the book I felt I knew much more about these pioneers of sleep.

I’m very interested in sleep having read a number of books on it and have paid much more attention to getting 7.5 hours of sleep per night, as well as trying to better understand my dreams. This book helped ground some of the science I’ve learned about sleep to those who uncovered its mystery.

The only quarrel I have about "Mapping the darkness" is where the field stands today and where it’s headed. The book was published in 2023 and the entries stopped at 2020 with the celebration of life for Bill Dement who had just passed away at 91 years of age. What has happened since then and what can we expect during the near future? Further, who are the future stars and where should we look for them? Why do this author stop researching?

It's a good book and definitely worth the read – provided you’re interested in the science of sleep.

[Kora Brennan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's pretty surprising to see that the whole field is relatively young, barely a hundred years old, and it really started gaining momentum in the last fifty years. Back in the 1800s, the study of sleep was more in the realm of psychology, focusing a lot on dreams and how they reflect our inner thoughts. It's only in more recent times that the study of sleep shifted towards the hard sciences.

What also stood out to me was how the field got its founding father due to quite unfortunate circumstances. Kleitman, faced with the barriers of antisemitism that blocked him from entering the more established scientific fields, turned to the then-emerging study of sleep and essentially built it from the ground up.

It's fascinating to see how societal views on sleep have evolved. There was a time when people thought we could get by with less and less sleep, trying to cut down our sleep minutes bit by bit. But now, there's a growing appreciation for the crucial role sleep plays in our overall health. A pivotal moment that changed many people's perspective was the Challenger disaster, which was partly attributed to critical decisions made under the influence of severe sleep deprivation.

This journey through the history of sleep science has been quite enlightening, showing how much our understanding and appreciation of sleep have changed over the years.

[Freya Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of sleep science, beginning with Nathaniel Kleitman's move to New York City to escape anti-Semitism in Europe. It's amazing to see how Kleitman's determination laid the groundwork for a whole new field of study. The book covers the discovery of REM sleep by Kleitman's student, Eugene Aserinsky, although their partnership was short-lived due to conflicts.

William Dement emerges as a key figure in the narrative, taking sleep research further and delving into sleep medicine. Dement's multifaceted life, balancing intense work, activism, and family, makes for an engaging story. Although the book portrays Dement in a very positive light, there are hints of controversy, like his involvement in sleeping pill trials, which are tucked away in footnotes.

Mary Carskadon, another prominent figure, focuses on the impact of sleep on teenagers, advocating for later school start times. While Dement continues to play a major role throughout the book, Carskadon's contributions add an important dimension to the discussion on sleep and development.

[Allen Hidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miller takes us through the journey with stories about key scientists who went to great lengths, like spending a month in a cave, to figure out our sleep patterns. What they found was pretty fascinating: humans naturally run on a 24-hour cycle, but this can get thrown off by things like shift work and too much artificial light.

Then there was this big leap when machines came along that could look at what's happening in our brains while we sleep. This was a game-changer because it showed us the different stages of sleep, including when we dream, and linked sleep issues to other health problems. The story takes a turn when the Challenger space shuttle disaster happened, partly because some engineers were super tired. That got people thinking about how not getting enough sleep can lead to big mistakes, lower productivity, and even accidents.

Miller points out that, despite loads of research saying adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep to stay healthy, loads of people still don't get enough. And our obsession with gadgets isn't helping, with all that screen time and blue light messing with our body clocks.

Highly recommended!

[Hugo Rowland · Rating 5 out of 5]

On one hand, you're treated to a digestible slice of popular science, making the complex subject of sleep research approachable and engaging. It's not just a rundown of facts and findings; the book brings the science of slumber to life, connecting the dots between the abstract concepts in labs and the nightly experience we all share.

But there's another layer to this narrative that adds a dash of spice: the personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories about the scientists who've dedicated their careers to understanding sleep. These tales add a human element to the research, illustrating not only the passion and dedication of these individuals but also the rivalries and quirks that pepper the scientific community. It's this blend of solid science and personal storytelling that sets the book apart, making it not just informative but also incredibly engaging.

The real gem, however, lies in the closing chapters—two epilogues that distill the vast amount of scientific knowledge shared throughout the book into a concise summary. Highly recommended!

[Dan Downing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the misleading cover, which would be terrific on a book about near-death experience, this examination of the small death we live through daily delivers in spades.

One of the areas explored is children's health. We have learned a tremendous amount about sleep, about narcolepsy, about sleep patterns, REM sleep, dream states, sleep apnea and so on: many times the amount needed to demonstrate the importance of sleep research. And yet. Sources of funding for it are still imperiled. Worse, the ignorant and the selfish who run schools and school schedules steadfastly resist changing the start times of schools across the country. Not all, which is more of a horror: evidence exists and can be easily found, that changing start times yields benefits in children's health. Parents nevertheless resist stridently and school boards weasel out from under the data. As a result, children incur mental illness, death and disease. Bravo our great American citizenry.
Recommended.

[James Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Mapping the Darkness Kenneth Miller provides a unique and informative account of the history of sleep science. Smartly avoiding the monotony of straightforward presentation of 100 years of numerous scientists, investigations, research findings, and scientific implications, Mr. Miller effectively tells the history of sleep science through a lens focused on the interacting careers of four researchers. This approach produces masterful character development and an engaging and captivating historical adventure which will resonate with non-scientific readers. Most importantly, Mapping the Darkness succeeds in conveying the profound, universal, and widespread impact of sleep dysfunction and its impact upon human health and safety.

James K. Walsh, Ph.D.
Past president, Sleep Research Society
Past president, American Academy of Sleep Medicine
Past chair, National Sleep Foundation

[William Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenneth Miller's book Mapping the Darkness offers an engaging look into the history of sleep science. Instead of simply listing a century's worth of scientific studies and findings, Miller takes a different approach. He focuses on the intertwined careers of four key researchers, which makes for an interesting read. The book is not just a collection of facts; it tells a captivating story. This style of writing brings the characters to life and makes the history of sleep science accessible and enjoyable, even for those who aren't scientists. What's really impressive about this book is how it highlights the significant effects of sleep problems on health and safety. It's clear that sleep issues are a major concern for everyone. Miller's book does a fantastic job of explaining this in a way that's easy to understand and remember.

[Daniel Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The narrative delves into the lives and legacies of four key figures, with Kleitman's relentless pursuit of understanding sleep taking center stage. The book beautifully unfolds the story of REM sleep's discovery by Kleitman's protege, Eugene Aserinsky, and how William Dement further propelled the field into new realms, establishing sleep medicine. Dement's multifaceted life, filled with activism, family, and groundbreaking research, is vividly portrayed, offering readers a deep dive into the heart and soul of sleep science's pioneering days. While Miller's fondness for Dement shines through, it does not overshadow the contributions of Mary Carskadon, whose work on adolescent sleep patterns brings to light the critical importance of aligning school schedules with teenagers' biological clocks. Recommended!

[Adam Klawonn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the essential, all inclusive and extremely well rounded picture of sleep science, why we sleep, how we lead ourselves to these conclusions about what governs sleep, and what detract from it. There is so much nuance and detail in this book, conferences, that the pioneers of this research attended, and other circumstances of their families and their own children. Really, this book is chock-full of characters, happy coincidences and amazing discoveries. The author does a wonderful job chronicling and categorizing all of these discoveries, and giving the reader a unique picture of each scientist. A very thoughtful and deep read, yet commercial, not clinical. I was grateful for that, and I will recommend it to many people.

[Harvey Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenneth Miller's book takes us on a fascinating journey through the world of sleep science without getting bogged down in a sea of scientific detail. Instead of listing out a century's worth of studies and findings, Miller zooms in on the lives and work of four pioneering researchers.

This clever angle makes the book feel more like a story of discovery and adventure than a dry academic text. The way these scientists' paths intertwine keeps you hooked, and you end up learning a lot about sleep science without even realizing it. What's really striking about the book is how it highlights the critical role sleep plays in our health and well-being, something we often overlook. It's a great read!

[Emery Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've often found sleep-related books to be somewhat lacking. Considering we spend a significant portion of our lives asleep, and the quality of our waking hours is so closely tied to the quality of our rest, it feels like this area hasn't received the attention it deserves.

I was pleasantly surprised by this read! The author's way of writing was really captivating, and I'm thankful I took the leap to pick up this book. It's a must-read for anyone interested in science or health. I'm excited to see this topic gaining more spotlight. Understanding our sleep and minds feels like exploring a treasure trove of mysteries. This was my first book from this author, but it definitely won't be my last.

[Thomas Lambe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this!

I took a chance on this. Many books are sleep are a disappointment for me. I feel like this subject has been "understudied" given how much of our lives is spent sleeping and how the rest of our time is dependent on rest.

This was wonderful. Such a surprise! The writing was very engaging and I am so glad that I was given the chance to read this. Highly recommended for science/health readers. I hope this topic gets more and more coverage. We need to know more about our minds/sleep. Lots of secrets to uncover. This author was new to me. I will read more from this author.

[Theodore Hoyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant to pick up this book, as I've often found sleep-related books to be unfulfilling. Considering how crucial sleep is to our daily lives and overall health, I've always thought the topic doesn't get the attention it deserves.

To my delight, this book was a fantastic read! The author's way of writing is captivating, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have read it. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in science and health. It's high time sleep and our mental well-being receive more spotlight. There's so much more to learn about the mysteries of sleep and our minds.

[Ashley Tews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mapping the Darkness is a fascinating journey through the history of sleep research, masterfully told through the stories of key scientists in the field. The book is not just a collection of facts; it's a narrative full of drama, highlighting the ups and downs, the breakthroughs, and the setbacks in the world of sleep science.

It's amazing how much I've learned about sleep, including both the knowns and the unknowns. While some parts are pretty detailed and might not be for everyone, this book stands out in its genre. It's a deep dive into the world of sleep studies and the people who have shaped it.

[Maria Nocheydía · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's compelling to see how sleep study, initially nestled within the realm of psychology and the study of dreams, has evolved into a robust scientific discipline. The narrative around Nathaniel Kleitman, a figure who, due to the prejudices of his time, turned his marginalization into an opportunity to pioneer an entire field, is both inspiring and a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between society and science. The book also provocatively ties historical events, like the Challenger disaster, to the critical role of sleep, offering a sobering look at the consequences of our past dismissiveness towards sleep's importance. Recommended!

[Aarav Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miller takes you on a fascinating journey through the history of sleep research, shining a light on the contributions of four key figures in the field. Miller's storytelling is confident and lively, effortlessly guiding readers through the past century's intricate developments in understanding why we sleep and how it's measured. The subject is anything but straightforward, yet Miller makes it utterly captivating.

Miller excels at weaving together the various aspects of this broad topic, offering intriguing insights into sleep disorders and the broader societal impacts of sleep deprivation. Yet, it's the exploration of REM sleep that stands out as particularly compelling.

[Shirley Conley · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book has about 100 pages of notes: hint, hint! It was a real chore to read. I usually read more then one book per week and this one took more then one month. It was hard-hard words and hard names and went back centuries. It was not like a good history book or biography. It is somewhat like the story of the exploration of sleep with most happenings in the last 50 years. I did learn it is a book that can put me to sleep and I do have a sleep urge between 2 - 3 pm especially if I pick up this book.